By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last reviewed June 08, 2021
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Gun control is a hot topic of debate in the U.S., pitting federal constitutional protections against public safety concerns. The regulation of firearms is done mostly at the state level, with plenty of variation among different states and regions.
For example, some states require a waiting period before purchasing a gun and have additional restrictions on the carrying of handguns, while other states are much more permissive.
The federal government has limited authority over firearms (see the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm's explanation of the National Firearms Act to learn more).
New Hampshire is relatively permissive with respect to firearms and does not require a waiting period for gun purchases. Additional details of New Hampshire's gun control laws are listed below. See Gun Laws for related information.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
Revised Statutes of New Hampshire, Title XII, Chapters 159 through 159-D, Sections 159:1 through 159-D:3
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
New Hampshire does not prohibit specific types of firearms. |
Waiting Period |
New Hampshire has no waiting period for purchasing a firearm. |
Who May Not Own |
A person may not own a firearm in New Hampshire if they have been convicted of the following offenses:
|
License Required? |
New Hampshire does not require a license to purchase or own a gun. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
A person may carry a concealed firearm in New Hampshire if they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. No permit or license is required. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Open carry generally is permitted in New Hampshire unless a person is otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm. No permit or license is required. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
A license is not required to carry a concealed firearm, but New Hampshire continues to offer a license. To obtain a license a person must have good reason to fear injury to their person or property or have any proper purpose, such as hunting, target shooting, or self-defense. A person may not obtain a license if they are prohibited from owning a possessing a firearm by New Hampshire or federal law. |
Machine Gun Laws |
New Hampshire does restrict the possession or ownership of machine guns, but federal law limits who may own a machine gun. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
New Hampshire does not prohibit the general public from possessing firearms on school property. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you face state or federal gun charges, contact an experienced attorney who can help protect your freedoms. You can find a qualified attorney in New Hampshire through our directory.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many New Hampshire attorneys offer free consultations.